Rag paper is a traditional craft that has become in recent years very fashionable again. The big attraction is that it is very economical and environment. Today it any thing that is good for the environment is important. In the work of cloth from recycled materials are used for processing of old and worn clothing into works Useful and beautiful art. I will give simple instructions on how to create a small carpet of the materials you probably have at home. The design you choose depends entirely on you and your skill level. Firstly, I would try something simple, such as squares, each with a different color of fabric.

1. Materials:
Strips of cotton shirts printed old clothes or old sheets and pillowcases and cut into strips about ½ inch wide and as long as want.

Strips of fabric Jersey cotton t-shirts cut into ½ inch wide and long strips
Plastic strips plastic bags with text and images on them, also ½ inch wide and long as you want.

Foil Strips: wrapping paper, wrapping paper, candy and chocolate bars also half inches wide and long as you want.

Tapestry Canvas: This can be purchased at a craft store and is quite rigid, so you do not need a frame. Try to buy with a tissue of 3 holes at an inch.

Carpet binding tape: This is used to bind the edges and seams in the back of carpeting.
Latex carpet adhesive: this is required for the support of your finished piece. Use in a well ventilated area.

Rug Hook: There are different types of rug hooks which can be found in the same section as the canvas mat. Usually has a wooden handle with a silver or brass hook at the top.
Household strong glue: to glue the edges on the back.

2. Basic techniques:
Connection is the most common technique. This is when you use strips of fabric and pull them through the hole in the canvas. The material can be connected through and left as a surface loop or cut hair with scissors to create a surface hair cut. An interesting effect is to combine loop pile and cut pile in one piece to create a sculptural appearance. When you start your project always leave about 2-3 inches a border at the end of this border resulted in the creation of a professional finished look.

Step 1.
Place one hand under the cloth and handle a piece of material between thumb and forefinger. With the other hand over the material push the hook through the hole. Feed the fabric on the hook.

Step 2.
Pull the hook upward through the fabric, so that the end of the strip of cloth to the top.

Step 3.
Moving from a hole in the canvas for the loops are not too crowded. Push the hook back through the canvas and fabric feed circuit on the hook as before. Pull the hook back up through the fabric to make a loop about ½ inch high. Continue this process loop and bring the ends of the fabric to the top and the seat to the same height as the loops.

Step 4.
To create the look of cut pile loops to ¼ inch high and cut through the loops with a pair of scissors.

Step 5.
Give around the border of two inches and attach to the back of the canvas with some strong glue. Let dry for a few hours and then apply one or two layers of carpet adhesive latex surface during the entire period. Let dry overnight, and read the instructions on the back of the carpet glue for details.

Once that your project is dry you can make your new carpet anywhere in your home and enjoy it in the coming years. The good news is that these carpets are sufficiently durable enough to throw in the washing machine after a few months of high traffic.

Annette Labedzki received her BFA at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. She has more than 25 years experience. She is the founder and developer of an online art gallery featuring original art from all over the world. It is a great site for art collectors to buy original art. Is is also a venue for artists to display and sell their art . Artists can join for free and their image upload is unlimited. Please visit the website at http://www.labedzki-art.com

Decorative Pillows from www.LenkArt.com

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